Marrone makes tear-filled defense of Paulus, who was booed by SU fans on Saturday

Syracuse, NY -- Tears filled the eyes of Syracuse University head football coach Doug Marrone as he made a passionate defense of starting quarterback Greg Paulus, who was booed by some Syracuse fans during the team's 28-7 Big East Conference loss to Cincinnati on Saturday at the Carrier Dome.

Marrone began his weekly press conference on Monday by addressing what happened to Paulus. After the game, Marrone said he had not heard the boos because he was so focused on the game. But obviously, he acknowledged that the actions took place and was stung.

"I put in a lot of time and thought ... and I'd like to make a statement about Greg Paulus," Marrone said as he began the press conference. "I took some time, yesterday, last evening and this morning and I really wanted to write some things down, so if I look down at the notes, I want to make sure I get it correct.

"I have never seen an athlete, at any level including the NFL, work as hard, mentally and physically, as Greg has worked since he's joined us here at Syracuse. Really, what he's accomplished is extraordinary. Maybe it can't be fully appreciated because most don't know just how difficult it is to play quarterback at a Division I program.

"In the era of video games, virtual reality, it's easy to believe that throwing a pass, reading a defense, avoiding a sack is as easy as the push of a button, that any of us can do. The problem, it's not that easy. We can't do that.

"Despite the turnover and mistake that Greg made, as any quarterback makes, he's exceeded expectations at every level. I think Greg is a victim of his own success. We've seen him make great plays and great decisions and we've come to expect that from him every time. But football is a team game. People don't know when an offensive linemen misses a block or a receiver runs a wrong route. They only see the decisions that Greg makes.

"Calling for a backup quarterback and backup pitcher, backup point guard, I understand that's just a part of sports. But Greg is one of us. He grew up here. He came back to do something that's never been done before and he's poured every once of his body and soul in that task.

"Let me say this again - it's really been remarkable. If his performance and preparation and dedication drop off, then obviously it's just like every other position, that he will not be a starter for a team.

"When he's in the game, it's because we believe that he gives us the best chance to win. And I truly, truly, truly thank him for being here. And I hope my kids grow up (tears begin filling his eyes) ... to have the courage ... and determination of a Greg Paulus. I get emotional when I talk about my family."

Marrone then jumped into his post-game comments about the loss to Cincinnat, the impending game against Pittsburgh and the toughness of the underrated Big East Conferencei. He concluded his opening statements in which he announced wide receiver Mike Williams had quit the team on Monday.

"Mike Williams came in to me today and has quit the program," Marrone said. "Again, I do not comment on people that have left the program, but he has quit the program. If anybody has any questions."

There was silence ... followed by some nervous laughter from the stunned media gathering.

From there, the questions began.

Marrone said after being questioned after the games about Paulus being booed, he began asking staff members about the situation. He said he has not spoken to Paulus, though he tried to call him this morning to let him know about the statement he planned to make. He said Paulus was in class this morning and that he left his starting quarterback a message.

I asked him what had stung him most about the actions of some fans who had turned on Paulus?

"I don't know, in other words, I can't go and individually says what does it," Marrone said. "I love the fans. I love the people here at Syracuse. I don't know. I just know that I love the players on our football team and I just want everyone to know how much I love my players."

I asked him if he thought it was wrong by fans to boo Paulus?

"Again, its second-hand information for me," Marrone said. "I don't know if they felt that way. I really don't. I just know that it was told to me that this situation went on. I feel like ... there were people that were not happy with him. I'd rather people point out that if that's their feeling, point it to me. And love the players that we have on this team.

"He's a remarkable kid (gets emotional again). That's all I can say. Every one knows, I do get emotional. He's everything you want if you had a kid."

Finally, I asked Doug if he's worried the episode at the Dome would affect Paulus? It's the one time during that phase of the press conference that he lit up.

"Greg Paulus is one of the most amazing people I've been around. He really is," Marrone said. "I think of him as such a strong person, I don't see that. That's my personal opinion."